Episode No. 12 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil'

As the 12th episode of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” begins, there is little drama in terms of matchups. Team Vitor’s Hugo “Wolverine” Viana and Team Wanderlei’s first 145-pounder picked, Rony “Jason” Mariano Bezerra, are the last two featherweights eligible for a spot in the finale, and it’s time for them to fight.

Both coaches are high on Bezerra as a person and a fighter. They praise his character almost as much as his skill. For his part, Bezerra admits he’s a fun-loving guy. But when he puts on the famous “Jason” mask, that’s when he becomes a cold-blooded killer. Silva reveals Bezerra actually lives in his home gym because he has no house to call his own.

Meanwhile, Viana is viewed as an equally affable person who hails from Luiz Dorea’s boxing gym. Understandably, Viana is confident in his hands, but he believes his movement and his heart will both help him advance. Viana reveals his fairly obvious gameplan. He wants to focus on his striking, especially his kicks, and keep the fight on the feet. Of course, Bezerra is happy there, as well.

It’s nearing the end of everyone’s time in the “TUF” house, and both fighters admit they truly miss home.

At the gym, it’s time for another few special visitors. THis time, it’s the Nogueira brothers, MMA heroes in their native Brazil. Both are wearing Team Vitor jerseys. Still, it’s no sleight to Bezerra, a Team Nogueira fighter, who they admit they consider family. Both brothers receive the blue jerseys of Team Wanderlei shortly after.

Both fighters weigh in, and this fight is official. Both coaches predict an entertaining matchup.

At the house, both fighters finalize the prep on their contest. But before they can fight, there’s time for another visitor: Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. He stops by the house to check on the fighters, many of whim admit the former UFC champ is one of their idols. There is some nice dialogue, but the scene moves fast. It’s time to fight, and both fighters promise they will lay it on the line.

Round 1 – Referee Mario Yamasaki oversees the matchup. Both look a bit tentative to start as they feel out the range. Jason is the taller fighter, and he tries to keep range early. Wolverine looks to be aggressive as he darts in and out, but an early flurry sees him eat a counter, as well. As the round progresses, the action open up, with flying knees thrown form each fighter. Still, nothing lands terrible flush, and both move forward. There is a quick stoppage to check Jason’s eye, which is bleeding thanks to a scratch. However, Jason doesn’t want to stop, and the doctor agrees. Jason tells Yamasaki he’s got blurred vision, but they fight on. On the restart, Jason seems to pick up the aggression, but he does hit the deck after walking into a straight punch. Jason is undeterred, and they continue to trade power shots in impressive flurries until the final bell.

Round 2 – The fighters are again tentative to open the second, but that again changes as the par trade wild hooks and flying knees. Jason gets the best of it, pushing forward with flurries as Wolverine covers and retreats. Wolverine doesn’t show any signs of wear, as he absorbs the blows and offers a few return blows, but Jason is starting to settle in and appears to be in control. Wolverine resorts to looking for a homerun shot as the final minutes unfold. Jason settles for control from the center, though he shoots for a takedown in the final minute. He gets Wolverine to the floor, but he’s unable to truly capitalize before the bell sounds.

Between rounds, Jason’s eye appears to be a bit of an issue, but doctors do not intervene. With his dream on the line, Jason is allowed to fight on. Still, he’s warned that there are not guarantees with any further damage.

Round 3 – The third round has a familiar feel. It’s Jason in the center, looking to strike at distance with kicks mixed into his attacks. Meanwhile, Wolverine is trying to dart in and out, firing big hooks in the process. Jason gives a little Nick Diaz-esque taunt with his arms, and Wolverine obliges by punching him on the chin. It’s not high-paced, but it’s tense, as both fighters look to uncork with massive blows. Wolverine is the busier fighter, but he’s mostly missing. Jason is stalking and landing bigger punches, but he could use some more frequency. With less than a minute, Jason shoots in and takes the fight to the floor. Wolverine scrambles to his knees and then his feet. They finish in a flurry, and both fighters raise their hands in celebration.

Bezerra advances to meet Godofredo “Pepey” de Oliveira in the live finale, which takes place at UFC 147. He promises to look sharper in the match and says he would have given an arm or a leg for such an opportunity. Wolverine is heartbroken, but he vows to carry on. He begs for the forgiveness of his coaches, and they all offer their support.

The final is set, and both fighters give each other a brief

Before we leave, it’s time for some serious product placement. Not the little mentions we’ve already seen tonight. No, this is full-on spotlight treatment. Sky TV is coming with some revolutionary stuff: Brace yourself, you can pause live TV. I know. I know.

There is but one fight left, and it will take place next week in the season’s final episode, as the second middleweight finalist is revealed.
(Pictured: Rony “Jason” Mariano Bezerra)

Catch new episodes of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” every Sunday at midnight ET/9 p.m. PT at en.TUF.tv at midnight ET/9 p.m. PT. MMAjunkie.com recaps each episode of the reality series, and additional series coverage can be found on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” page.

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